The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) conducted a joint Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) response drill in Mumbai, reaffirming their strong maritime partnership and commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

As part of the engagement, Japan Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Yoshio Seguchi, along with a high-level delegation, visited the Indian Coast Guard Regional Headquarters (West) yesterday. Admiral Seguchi held a courtesy meeting with Inspector General Bhisham Sharma, Commander, Coast Guard Region (West).

During the meeting, both sides underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation and interoperability.

The highlight of the visit was a specialised joint training exercise conducted onboard the Indian Coast Guard’s pollution response vessel ICGS Samudra Prahari.

The exercise brought together the ICG Pollution Response Strike Team and the JCG National Strike Team (NST), which arrived from Japan to participate in the drills.

Prior to the sea exercise, detailed planning sessions, rehearsals, and classroom interactions were held in Mumbai, focusing on response protocols for hazardous chemical spills at sea.

A joint demonstration of HNS response procedures was later reviewed by the JCG Commandant and the ICG Regional Commander onboard Samudra Prahari.

Beyond operational training, the Japanese delegation also visited Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited to gain insight into India’s shipbuilding capabilities.